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Topic: tuning and string gage |
Robert Cates
From:
Maine, USA
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Posted 25 Feb 2009 12:08 pm |
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Hi Boys
I am a pedal steel guy but I was digging thru the closet and I came across my fathers ole Silvertone lab steel.(6 strings) looks very old and also very cheaply made. Its got open gear tuners on it and looks quite frail. Maybe light gage strings??
I am thinking about putting some strings on it and give it a spin..
Could some of you guys tell me what tuning I should try and also what gage strings to buy. I play mostly country stuff
Thank you..Bob |
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Rick Alexander
From:
Florida, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 25 Feb 2009 1:18 pm
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I'd suggest A6 hi2lo E C# A F# E C#
or C6 - E C A G E C
You can easily try out both of those tunings without changing string gauges.
| Tab: |
E - .015
C or C# - .018
A - .022
G or F# - .026
E - .030
C or C# - .034
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b0b has sets of Jagwire strings right here on the forum.
Free shipping and he gets them to you fast!
Just click on the STRINGS tab at the top of the page.
_________________
BIG STEEL |
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Joe Gretz
From:
Washington, DC, USA
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Posted 25 Feb 2009 3:08 pm yup!
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Robert,
Rick knows a little somethin' 'bout this!!! 
I second the advise on the tuning(s) and string (brand and gauge) recommendation. C6 with a low "C" is one of the most popular lap tunings around, so there's lots of tab and lessons available. Jagwires are fine strings, and bOb will hook you up quick!!!
Joe
_________________
Dattebayo!!! |
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Robert Cates
From:
Maine, USA
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Posted 25 Feb 2009 3:28 pm will do
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Thanks alot RA and Joe
I play sometimes at old folks homes and the pedal steel is WAY over kill for some of the small rooms. It would be a lot easier just to carry this small lap steel around.
I'm excited now to try this out and see if I can get any decent sound out of it
Thanks again...I will check with bOb
Bob |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 26 Feb 2009 7:41 am
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Do a search for "John Ely".
He has a tuning and string gauge chart that is VERY useful and informative.  |
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Ray Langley
From:
Northern California, USA
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Robert Cates
From:
Maine, USA
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Posted 26 Feb 2009 1:59 pm sounds good
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After I found the gauges of the strings that I needed( thank you guys) I went thru my strings and I had all the strings that I needed here. This guitar sounds very good. I know that the good players can get lots of music out of 6 strings and no pedals but it seems to me somewhat limited . Especially after playing 10 strings and all those pedals and knees. I feel as tho the pedal boys are cheating. Pedal steel is to easy...
I'm going to keep at it and get some instruction on c-6 stuff. I enjoy the learning.
Again ..thanks alot for your help
Bob |
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Ray Langley
From:
Northern California, USA
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Posted 26 Feb 2009 2:10 pm
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Hi Bob - Believe it or not, but many of us actually prefer the sound of non-pedal lap steel instruments.
Not to mention the cost, weight, and set-up time. :0
I enjoy the learning process too!
_________________
Bluesman's Epitath: "Didn't get up this morning"!
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/LapSteelGuitar/ |
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Joe Gretz
From:
Washington, DC, USA
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Posted 26 Feb 2009 2:25 pm C6 on a 6
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Just wait till you get your "C" legs!!! 
That tuning is a blast! Before you know it, you'll be making great music and you won't miss those pedals and extra strings a bit!
It will change your perspective on the ten string when you go back to it in the most positive way.
Look for "Basic C6th Nonpedal Lap Steel Method" by DeWitt Scott. Mel Bay is the publisher. I got mine on Amazon. Great method book, very helpful with bar slants. You can also find TONS of free tab on the forum.
Good Luck!!!
Joe
_________________
Dattebayo!!! |
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Robert Cates
From:
Maine, USA
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Posted 26 Feb 2009 5:33 pm Alot different
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Joe..you are funny.."C" legs thats funny because I really do have my sea legs as I am a captain and commercial fisherman for my whole life. but I do not have my "C" legs on this c-6 stuff.
I messed around with my little lap steel for awhile and then went back to my pedal steel and wow...big difference. You said that I won't even miss my extra strings and levers..Well..I'm not sure about that!!!!!!!!!
"C" legs = sea legs.....NOT
Bob |
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Joe Gretz
From:
Washington, DC, USA
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Posted 26 Feb 2009 8:17 pm Sea Legs
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Just give it time.
What I meant was that you will adapt to the six string C6 and get comfortable on it in time...then you wont miss 'em...on the six that is. It will "become its own thing": A new seamless extension of your musical mind and spirit...and it will hopefully inspire you to play things you wouldn't have thought of on your regular instrument...things that will surprise you.
I didn't mean to imply that you would give up on knees and pedals. Heck, they're too much fun! You CAN do a lot with bar slants though! They're fun also!
Glad you liked my "pun"! 
Good luck with it!
Joe
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Dattebayo!!! |
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Ray Langley
From:
Northern California, USA
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